Fanaticism is a curious and dangerous force that can take root in the heart and distort the very nature of human emotion. It is not a feeling generated by reason, but an obsession - a relentless, often irrational focus on an idea, person, or belief that consumes reason and distorts one's perception of reality.
In its mildest form, fanaticism can look like love - an all-consuming affection or devotion that sees no flaws in its object. A fanatic's love is neither tender nor caring; it is possessive, suffocating, and absolute. They seek not companionship but possession. It is an adoration that refuses to recognize individuality, demanding in return total submission.
Mutating, fanaticism transforms into a darker expression - hatred. It is a shadow of the same obsessive nature, an inversion of the sense of ownership in love. Where once the object was coveted, it now becomes despised, often for failing to live up to the impossible expectations the bigot imposes. In this state, the fanatic's rage is no longer directed only at control, but also at punishment, retribution, and destruction.
Fanaticism is absurd in its intensity because it demands a perfection that reality can never provide. Whether in love or hate, it seeks an unattainable purity, a flawlessness that no other person or object can match. Fanatics often create their own narrative, a fantasy that fuels their obsession, only to see it crumble under the weight of reality. When this happens, their despair grows, driving them deeper and deeper into manic obsession or blinding hatred.
And therein lies the true horror of fanaticism - it destroys both the fanatic himself and the object of his obsession, leaving behind nothing but ruins.
***
David started his day feeling unusually rested. A good night's sleep had done wonders to wash away the fatigue and fears that had accumulated over the past week. The restful night seemed to give him a much-needed respite from the paranormal phenomena that haunted him. After the morning ritual of washing up and eating a hearty breakfast, David felt a surge of determination. He knew that he needed to approach the day's tasks with a clear mind and a strategic plan. The sense of normalcy he had experienced during his sleep seemed like a gift from fate, and he was determined to make the most of it.
1) Spend the first half of the day: inspection and maintenance David decided to start with a thorough inspection of the house. The events of the previous night had taught him the importance of vigilance. He would check every nook and cranny, make sure all doors and windows were securely locked, and make sure no new disturbances had occurred. After that, he planned to do any necessary maintenance or repairs that had been postponed.
2) Spend the second half of the day: Community Engagement Having reassessed the situation, David wanted to engage more with the local community. He intended to visit the local library and archives to dig deeper into the town's history and any records that might shed light on the abandoned mental hospital or any other important clues.
David's newfound determination led him to make some practical decisions. He realized that the wooden doors of the house could not resist the strange and grotesque forces that had manifested themselves. The image of the Juggernaut, the swollen figure that had nearly broken through the pantry door, still lingered in his mind, reminding him that mere wood and nails were not enough.
After eating a quick breakfast and gathering his thoughts, David decided to head to the hardware store. His main concern was to purchase secure locks for every door in the house to ensure that each one would be locked securely and that only he would have access to them. The thought of someone else, something unknown, walking freely around his house was unbearable.
David's shopping list:
Locks: He chose the strongest locks he could find. Thick iron mechanisms that were guaranteed to withstand exposure. Every door in the house, from the bedroom to the bathroom, would be reinforced this way.
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The Red Door: Alternative history
رعبDavid returns to his childhood home, which seemed to be a quiet and familiar place, only to find himself embroiled in a series of creepy and disturbing events. He is faced with an obsessive reality in which the past and the present collide in a dang...
